Antitheft device for internal-combustion powered vehicles



Oct. 27, 1953 E. E. HERRELL ANTITHEFT DEVICE FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTIONPOWERED vsmcuzs Filed Jan. 6, 1953 Mac/ a Patented Oct. 27, 1953 ANTITHEFT DEVICE FOR INTERNAL- COMBUS'TION POWERED VEHICLES Edgar'E. Herrell, San Diego, Calif.

Application January 6, 1953, Serial No. 329,819

7 Claims.

The present invention relates to the field of anti-theft devices, and more particularly to an apparatus that prevents unauthorized actuation of the electrical power circuit of an internal combustion engine powered vehicle.

A major object of my invention is to provide a compact, self-contained unit that may be readily installed on an internal combustion engine powered vehicle, and when so installed, maintains the electrical circuit that supplies electrical energy from the storage battery to the starter, head and tail lights, and the ignition system in an inoperative condition until an authorized person momentarily turns an electrical switch. forming. a part of my invention to a predetermined position.

Another object of my invention is to supply a device that allows the parking lights of a vehicle to be actuated, although all other portions of the electrical circuit are dead.

A further object of my invention is to furnish a protective device which. has a. simple mechanical structure, requires little. or no maintenance attention, may be fabricated. from inexpensive standard commercially available materials, and

as a result may be retailed at a sufficiently low price as to encouragev its widespread use as a theft preventative device on. powered vehicles.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred form thereof. and the drawing illustrating that form in which:

Figure 1 is avertical cross-sectional view of my invention, partly in. elevation showing the internal structure thereof;

Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the actuating switch of. my invention taken on the line 22 of Figure 1; and

Figure 3 is a schematic view of my invention showing the. electrical wiring thereof in detail.

Referring now to Figure l. of the drawing for the general arrangement of my invention, it will. be seen that'the major portion of my invention is contained. within a housing H from which a first electrical cable E leads to an. actuating switch S. The installation. of my invention is extremely simple, as the housing H is bolted or otherwise afiixed by conventional means (not shown) to a. vehicle at a convenient location thereon. After the housing. is so afiixed, a second. electrical cable A is extended therefrom to a storage battery 13, and a third electrical cable C extends to a starter switch D,.asi will be explained in detail hereinafter.

internal combustion The housing H may take a variety of forms, but I have found it convenient to fabricate the housing from sheet material as a substantially rectangular container. Housing H comprises two end pieces l0; connected on their lower edges by a bottom piece H'. The end pieces l0 develop on their longitudinally disposed edges into connecting sidewalls IZ, one of which may be seen in Figure 1. The housing H is formed with two laterally spaced compartments [3 and I4 on the upper portion thereof, with compartment l3 being defined by an end piece Illa and two side walls l2a. End piece Ida and side walls l2a are extensions of end piece l0 and side walls l2 respectively. End piece Illa is bent downwardly or otherwise formed to provide a top l5 for com partment 13. The downwardly positioned end portion of top [5 is a downwardly bent end piece lt'fwhichserves to completely close compartment l3. Compartment l4, includes a second end piece l'lla which is an extension of end piece It. End piece Illa is inwardly bent to form. a horizontally disposed top I"! which on its free end portion is bent or otherwise formed. to provide a downwardly extending end. piece [-8. The side walls of compartment M are formed from extensions [2a and are continuations of side wall. [2. The lower end of. the compartments [3 and Iii are open as above described, but. are closed by a. rectangular frame member [8 that is. rigidly affixed to the interior surfaces of the end pieces l0 and side walls I 2 by conventional means (not shown).

For easy access to the interior of housing l-I, one of the side walls t2 and its extensions [2a are preferably made removable by conventional holding means. (not shown). A second frame member 20. is positioned within the confines of housing H parallel to frame member [.9 but disposed. in the lower portion thereof, as. may best be seen in Figure 1.. The two frame members [9 and 20 have two vertically aligned bores 19a and 20a formed therein in which an elongate member 2| is slidably supported. Frame members l9 and 20 have a second set of vertically aligned bores [9a and Zlla formed therein in which a second elongate member 21" is slidably supported. The two members 21' and 2'! are rigidly connected to one another by across piece 221 fabricated from a magnetically attractable material such. as iron or steel. A. bore 23 extends downwardly from the upper end. of member 2|. and is in. communication with two oppositely disposed vertically extending slots 24. A rod 25 is slidably mounted in bore 23', and has a trans- Versely disposed pin 25a. extending outwardly therefrom that slidably engages slots 24. The length of slots 24 determines the extent of longitudinal movement of rod 25.

An electrical contact 29 of substantially U-shaped cross section is provided that includes a horizontally disposed web 21 from which two downwardly and outwardly extending legs 28 and 28 extend. A mounting 29 formed from a plastic material such as Bakelite or other electrical insulating material, has the contact 26 disposed on the upper portion thereof, as may best be seen in Figure 1. Mounting 29 is threaded or otherwise rigidly affixed to the upper end of rod 25. A helical spring 30 encircles the rod 25, with one end of the spring in contact with the lower face of the mounting 29 and the other end thereof pressing against the upper surface of frame member 29. In this manner, the contact 26 is at all times urged upwardly from the member 2|. In Figure 1 it will be noted that the electrical contact 26 is disposed within the confines of compartment l3.

Second and third electrical contacts 3| and 32 respectively are provided, preferably formed from a metallic material such as brass or copper. These contacts 3| and 32 are identical in shape, and formed with inwardly and upwardly tapering faces 3|a and 32a respectively. Contacts 3| and 32 are provided with outwardly extending bolt-like terminals 3|b and 32b respectively, which project through suitable bores formed in the end pieces Illa. Contacts 3| and 32 are electrically insulated from the compartment l9 by strips of insulating material 34, and the bolts by washers 35 are likewise formed of an insulating material.

Terminal 3|b (Figure l) is connected to a lug 37 of cable A, and terminal 32b is likewise connected to a lug 38 of cable 0. It is essential that the lugs 31, 3B, and the terminals 3|b, 32b be so disposed that they cannot be cross connected by an unauthorized person in attempting to start the vehicle on which my invention may be installed. Accordingly, to prevent such cross connecting, an upwardly disposed rectangularly shaped segment of the side wall is bent into an L-shape to provide a side wall I21) and top I20. The end pieces l6, |B, a portion of frame member l9, side wall |2b and top |2c cooperate to form an intermediately disposed compartment Y, as may be seen in Figure l. The cable C extends into compartment Y through an opening (not shown) formed in side wall I211. The terminal 32b and lug 38 are completely enclosed in the compartment Y, when the second side piece I2 is mounted on the housing H. With the above construction it is impossible for an unauthorized cross connection to be made between terminals 3H), 32?) or lugs 31, 38. The spring 39 at all times urges the contact 26 into an electrical current carrying engagement with contacts 3! and 92 when the member 2| is in the upwardly disrposed position shown in phantom line in Figure 1.

Fourth and fifth electrical contacts 49 and H are provided which are disposed within the confines of compartment M as shown in Figure 1. Contact 40 occupies an upwardly and outwardly extending position, and is supported within the confines of compartment M by an arm 40a aflixed to side wall l2a. The electrical contact 4| is likewise disposed in an upwardly and outwardly position, and is supported by side wall |2a in compartment I4 by an arm Ma, affixed thereto by conventional means.

A sixth electrical contact 44 having a somewhat U-shaped cross section is provided that includes a central portion 15 from the ends of which two arms 45 and '15 extend upwardly and outwardly. Contact 44 is rigidly affixed to the lower face of a mounting 47 that is formed of an electrical insulating material, and has a bore 48 extending downwardly therethrough. Bore 38 is in communication with a cavity 49 formed in the upper portion of the mounting. Member 2| has an extension 50 mounted on the upper end thereof that slidably engages the bore 58, with the result that mounting 4 is longitudinally movable relative to the member 2|. A helical spring 5| encircles the upper portion of extension 50. A nut 50a is threaded to the upper end portion of extension 59 and spring 5| is disposed between nut 50a and the bottom face of the cavity 49, as may best be seen in Figure l. The helical spring 5| is in compression and at all times forces the contact 44 and mounting ll downwardly. However, the maximum downward movement of mounting is limited by a stop 52 that is rigidly affixed to, or formed as a part of the member 2|. Two uprights 58 and 59 are provided which are slidably supported in bores formed in frame members l9 and 20, :parallel to members 2| and 2|.

fwo arms 6| and 6| are pivotally supported by pins t2 and $2 from the side walls I2 of th housing H as may best be seen in Figure 1. Menu bers 2| and 2| are formed with recesses 63 and 53' respectively, which are movably engaged by ends Gia and saw of the pivotally supported arms. Uprights 58 and 59 are likewise provided with recesses 58 and 59 respectively, that are likewise movably engaged by the arms 5| and 6|.

It will be understood that with the above construction, uprights 58 and 59 move in a direction opposite to that in which the members 2| and 2| move. Each of the uprights 58 and 59 has two longitudinally spaced rods 67 and 68 respectively pivotally supported therefrom, with the rods 5'! and 68 movably engaging slots 6| and 68' respectively in members 2| and 2|. Rods Bl and 68 are provided with springs 61a and 68a respectively, with the ends thereof being disposed between the adjoining faces of the uprights and the particular members 2| and 2| disposed adjacent the uprights.

In Figure 1 it will be seen that the frame member I9 has a solenoid l0 rigidly affixed thereto by a screw or other conventional fastening means, and depends downwardly therefrom. A solenoid 12 is mounted on the frame member 20 which has a core 13 extending upwardly. Cross piece 22 is disposed between the two cores H and 13, and being of a magnetically attractable material, is drawn upwardly or downwardly depending on which of the solenoids T0 or I2 is electrically energized.

Switch S is best illustrated in Figure 2, and includes a tubular shell enclosed on one end by a plate 8| and on the other end by a second plate 8|a. An annular member 82 formed of an electrical insulating material is disposed within the confines of the shell between the two end pieces. A rotatably mounted core 83 is disposed within the confines of the switch which may be removably engaged by a key 83a and rotate it to either a first or second position. A wedgeshaped lug 83b of an insulating material extends downwardly from core 83 to serve as an electrical contact, and may be brought into engagement with either a contact 84 when the sesame core is in a first position, or a contact 85 when the core is in a second position. A pin 86 extends upwardly from the core 83 and is engaged by two oppositely disposed helical springs 81 and 88- that are in equal tension and afiixed to eyes or affixing means 8Q disposed on the interior surface of the shell 80. The member 82 has three electricalterminals 90, 91' and 92 projecti-ng therethrough. Terminal 90 is connected to contact 84, terminal 9I to the core 83, and terminal 92 to contact 85. The switch S will normally be mounted on the dash-board of the vehicle inmuch the same manner as the conventional ignition switch of a vehicle.

My invention is connected to and made a part of the vehicle by connection of thecontrol switch- I-IIII for the headlights I01 and tail lights I02 thereof with an electrical conductor H1 3 to a junction point I03a on an electrical cable PM, which cable extends to junction point I-Il Ia on cable: C. An electrical conductor I05 extends from junction point Ill-3ato junction point In5a,

from which an electrical conductor I06 leads to switch [-01 used in actuating the horn I08. An electrical conductor I09 extends from junction point I05a to an ignition switch IIEI that normally forms a part of the vehicle equipment.

As previously mentioned, the second contact 3i is. connected by cable A to battery B, and

also by an electrical conductor I I2 to the fourth electrical contact 40-. An electrical conductor H3. extends from contact 40. through cable. E toterminal SI. Contact 84 of switch S is connected by an. electrical. conductor H4. to solenoid 1-0,. and. switch terminal 92 is connected by conductor H5 to the solenoid I2. Electrical contact 4i isv connected by a conductor M6 to an. electrical switch I:I:'I that. normally forms a part of. the. vehicle, and which is so disposed as to control the parking lights. H8- thereof. The. storage battery B is. connected by a connector I20 to a ground G, as is. the. starter II2 by a conductor I.2I-. Parking lights II8: are connected, to ground G icy-conductors I23, and horn.

I08 is also connected toground G by conductor I22. Solenoid III has a. conductor. I24. extend-- ing therefrom to ground G, and solenoid- 12' is grounded by means of a. conductor I125.-;.

When installed on a. vehicle and wired asabove described, my. invention. isready for use.

. parking. lights: H8 is: not. dependent upon the However, this is the only position. of. contact 26. portion of the electrical circuit that can be actuated when the. vehicle is, in a stationary position without using key 83a; When. it. is desiredto start the. vehicle, key 8311 may be inserted.

in switch. S and momentarily rotated to' bring contact 83b into engagement. with the. contact;

84, and cause the electrical energization of solenoid 10.

As the solenoid III- is energized, a magnetic. forceis generated in the core or armature II of such magnitude that the cross piece 22: is drawn upwardly, together with the members 2:I and 21"; Upon upwardmovement of members 2|. and 2I,

contact 26: is. brought into. engagement:- with the" two contacts 3|. and 32: and: firmly held. en-

gagem-ent therewitlr'due to the compression to which the spring 30 is put. During upward movement of members 2I and 2|, arms GI and BI are rotated to cause downward movement of uprights 58- and 59-. At this point rods 61' and 68 have been pivoted to an upwardly and inwardly extending position, and the compressed springs 61a and 68a exert an upwardly and inwardly extending force to maintain members 2i and 2I'- in such position that contact 26 is in communication with contacts 3| and 32' after the solenoid TB is de-energized. De-energization of solenoid 10' occurs as the key 830 is' permitted to assume the position shown in Figure 2 where it does not maintain contact 832) in communication with contact 84'. Thus, electri cal contact 2 6- will remain in position with the contacts 31 and 32 as shown in Figure 3, tapermit the starter II2, the ignition system con-- trolled by switch III], the horn I08, the headlights I01 and the tail lights I52 to be energized by the particular switch mechanisms controlling; them and forming a part of th vehicle equipment.

When it is desired to place the vehicle.- in acondition where it cannot be utilized, it is only necessary to turn. the ignitionv switch to the on position and momentarily rotate key 83a, thus bring contact 83b into communication with contact 85. An electrical circuit isimmediately established to storage battery Bthrough electrical conductors H5, I53, H2 and A. to solenoid 12 upon. energization, exerting sufficient magnetic force to draw cross piece 22 and. members 2|. and 2 I downwardly to break communication be:- tween contact 26 and contacts 3| and 32'. As the downward movement of. members 2| and 2t. occurs, uprights 6d and 60. are moved upwardly with rotation of. the pivotally supported arms BI. and. 6 I as previously explained. .All of the: electrical circuits in the; vehicle will. then be dead with the exception of that portion. thereof lead.- ing to the parking lights I I8.

It will be particularly noted that unauthorized.

cross connections of the conductors: in cable E" is prevented, due to the fact that the cable E. enters. confines of the switch S through an..open.-. ing, 82b formed in end piece 32a.

I I' l and II'ii leave the. confines of. the switch. S through an opening 88a.

Although the invention herein disclosed is fully capable. of achieving. the. objects and providing the advantages hereinbefore mentioned,- it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiment ofmy invention, and that I do not mean to limit myself to. the details of construction herein shown and described other than as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1'. Ananti theft device 101" internal combustion powered vehicles having a storage battery, electrical starter, and electrical ignition system which includes: mounted in said frame; spring means adapted to maintain said member in a first position and a second position; a first electrical contact dis-- posed. on said member; a seccnd electrical con-- first magnetic means which when electrically ac-- tuated moves said member tosaid first positionwhereby said first contact is in communication Conductors a frame; a member movably" with said second and-third contacts; a second magnetic means which when electrically actuated moves said member to said second position whereby said first contact is not in communication with said second and third contacts; an electrical switch capable of being moved to a first position and a second position; and an electrical circuit having a first portion and a second portion, each of which may be selectively completed when said switch is in said first position or said second position, said switch when in said first position completing said first electical circuit to actuate said first magnetic means and move said member to said first position whereby said first contact is in communication with said second and third contacts, and when said switch is in said second position, actuating said second electrical circuit to actuate said second magnetic means to move said member to said second position whereby said first electrical contact is not in communication with said second and third contacts.

2. An anti-theft device for internal combustion powered vehicles having a storage battery, electrical starter and electrical ignition system which includes: a frame; a member movably mounted in said frame; spring means adapted to maintain said member in a first position and a second position; a first electrical contact disposed on said member; a second electrical contact; means to electrically connect said second contact to said storage battery; a third electrical contact; means to electrically connect said third contact to said starter and electrical ignition; a magnetically attractable bar mounted on said member; a first solenoid which when electrically energized attracts said oar causing said men her to move to said first position whereby said first contact is in communication with said second and third contacts; a second solenoid which when electrically energized attracts said bar causing said member to move to said second position whereby said first contact is not in communication with said second and third contacts; an electrical switch adapted to be moved to a first position and a second position; and an electrical circuit having a first portion and a second portion, each of which may be selectively completed when said switch is in said first position or said second position, said switch when in said first position completing said first electrical circuit to actuate said first solenoid and attract said bar to move said member to said first position whereby said first contact is in coirmunication with said second and third contacts, and said switch when in said second position breaking said first circuit and completing said second circuit to actuate said second solenoid and attract said bar to move said member to said second position whereby said first electrical contact is not in communication with said second and third contacts.

3. An anti-theft device for internal combustion powered vehicles having a storage battery, electrical starter and electrical ignition system which includes: a frame; a substantially H- shaped member formed with a cross bar of magnetically attractable material; spring means adapted to maintain said member in a first position and a second position; a first electrical contact disposed on said member; a second electrical contact; means to electrically connect said second contact to said storage battery; a third electrical contact; means to electrically connect said third contact to said starter and electrical ignition; a first magnetic means which when electrically actuated moves said member to said first position where said first contact is in communication with said second and third contacts; a second magnetic means which when electrically actuated moves said member to said second position where said first contact is not in communication with said second and third contacts; an electrical switch capable of being moved to a first position and a second position; and an electrical circuit having a first portion and a second portion, each of which may be selectively completed when said switch is in said first position or said second position, said switch when in said first position completing said first electrical circuit portion to actuate said first magnetic means and move said member to said first position where said first contact is in communication with said second and third contacts, and said switch when in said second position actuating said second electrical circuit portion to actuate said second magnetic means and move said member to said second position where said first electrical contact is not in communication with said second and third contacts.

4. An anti-theft preventing device for an internal combustion powered vehicle having a storage battery, electrical starter, head and tail lights, electrical ignition and parking lights, comprising: a frame; a substantially H-shaped member, a portion of which is formed from a magnetically attractable material which includes a first leg and a second leg; spring means adapted to maintain said member in a first position and a second position; a first electrical contact disposed on said first leg; a second electrical contact; means to electrically connect said second contact to said storage battery; a third electrical contact; means to electrically connect said third contact to said starter, head and tail lights and electrical ignition; a fourth electrical contact; a fifth electrical contact; a sixth electrical contact disposed on said second leg; -a first magnetic means which when electrically actuated moves said member to said first position where said first contact is in communication with said second and third contacts, and said sixth electrical contact is not in communication with said fourth and fifth electrical contacts; a second magnetic means which when electrically actuated moves said member to said second position where said first contact is not in communication with said second and third contacts, and said sixth electrical contact is in communication with said fourth and fifth electrical contacts; an electrical switch capable of being moved to a first position and a second position; a first electrical conductor extending from said second contact to said fourth contact; a second electrical conductor extending from said fourth contact to said switch; a third electrical conductor extending from said switch to said first magnetic means; a fourth electrical conductor extending from said switch to said second magnetic means; a fifth conductor extending from said fifth contact to said parking lights; and means grounding said storage battery, starter, head and tail lights, parking lights and said first and second magnetic means, with said switch when in said first position completing a circuit from said storage battery to said first magnetic means to move said member to said first position and permit said battery to energize said starter, ignition and head and tail lights, and said switch when in said second position 9 completing a circuit from said battery to said second magnetic means whereby said member is moved to said second position where only said parking lights may be energized from said battery.

5. An anti-theft preventing device for an internal combustion powered vehicle having a storage battery, electrical starter, head and tail lights, electrical ignition and parking lights, comprising: a frame; a substantially H-shaped member, a portion of which is formed from a magnetically attractable material which includes a first leg and a second leg; a plurality of uprights movably supported in said frame; pivotal connecting means that cause said uprights to move in a direction opposite that in which said member moves; spring means operatively associated with said frame and uprights that maintain said frame in either a first position or a second position; a first electrical contact disposed on said first leg; a second electrical contact; means to electrically connect said second contact to said storage battery; a third electrical contact; means to electrically connect said third contact to said starter, head and tail lights and electrical ignition; a fourth electrical contact; a fifth electrical contact; a sixth electrical contact disposed on said second leg; a first solenoid which when electrically energized attracts said member to move it to said first position where said first contact is in communication with said second and third contacts, and said sixth electrical contact is not in communication with said fourth and fifth contacts; a second solenoid which when electrically energized attracts said member to move it to said second position where said first contact is not in communication with said second and third contacts, and said sixth electrical contact is in communication with said fourth and fifth electrical contacts; an electrical switch capable of being moved to a first position and a second position; a first electrical conductor extending from said second contact to said fourth contact; a second electrical conductor extending from said fourth contact to said switch; a third electrical conductor extending from said switch to said first magnetic means; a fourth electrical conductor extending from said switch to said second magnetic means; a fifth conductor extending from said fifth contact to said parking lights; and means grounding said storage battery, starter, head and tail lights, parking lights and said first and second magnetic means, with said switch in said first position completing a circuit from said storage battery to said first magnetic means causing said member to move to said first position and permitting said battery to energize said starter, ignition and head and tail lights, said switch when in said second position completing a circuit from said battery to said second magnetic means whereby said member is moved to said second position and only said parking lights may be energized from said battery.

6. A theft preventative device for internal combustion powered vehicles having a storage battery, electrical starter and electrical ignition system which includes: a frame; a member movably mounted in said frame; spring means capable of maintaining said member in a first position and a second position; a first electrical contact disposed on said member; a second electrical contact; means to electrically connect said second contact to said storage battery; a third electrical contact; means to electrically connect said second contact to said storage battery; a third electrical contact; means to electrically connect said third contact to starter and electrical ignition; an electrical switch capable of being moved to a first and a second position; electrically operated magnetic means capable of moving said member to either said first or second positions; and an electrical circuit having a first portion and a second portion, each of which may be selectively completed when said switch is in said first position or said second position, said switch when in said first position completing said first electrical circuit portion to actuate said first magnetic means and move said member to said first posiiton whereby said first contact is in communication with said second and third contacts, and said switch when in said second position actuating said second electrical circuit portion to actuate said second magnetic means and move said member to said second position whereby said first electrical contact is not in communication with said second and third contacts.

7. A theft preventative device for internal combustion powered vehicles having a storage battery, electrical starter and electrical ignition system which includes: a frame; a member movably mounted in said frame; spring means capable of maintaining said member in a first position and a second position; a first electrical contact formed with two opposite, upwardly and inwardly disposed sides; a rod affixed to said contact and slidably mounted for longitudinal movement on said member; a stop aifixed to said rod that restricts longitudinal movement of said contact relative to said member; resilient means that at all times urge said contact outwardly from said member; a second electrical contact formed with an upwardly and inwardly disposed face adapted to be placed in communication with one face of said first contact; means to electrically connect said second contact to said storage battery; a third electrical contact formed with an upwardly and inwardly disposed face adapted to be placed in communication with one face of said first contact; means to electrically connect said third contact to said starter and electrical ignition; an electrical switch capable of being moved to a first and a second position; electrically operated magnetic means capable of moving said member to either said first or second position; and an electrical circuit having a first portion and a second portion, each of which may be selectively completed when said switch is in either said first position or said second position, said switch when in said first position completing said first electrical circuit portion to actuate said first magnetic means and move said member to said first position where said first contact is in communication with said second and third contacts, and said switch when in said second position actuating said second electrical circuit portion to actuate said second magnetic means and move said member to said second position where said first electrical contact is not in communication with said second and third contacts.

EDGAR E. HERRELL.

No references cited. 

